The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : It was movie magic for special children

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 01, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

It was movie magic for special children

Staff Reporter

Over 1,200 children with disabilities interact with actor Sudeep

A SPECIAL OCCASION: Kannada actor Sudeep addressing children with visual and physical disabilities who had come to a special screening of the film My Autograph, in Bangalore on Sunday. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: IDL Foundation, a city-based non-governmental organisation, along with Kiccha Creations, on Sunday had something special lined up for children with visual and physical disabilities.

Bringing smiles on the faces of 1,216 children, the two organisations hosted a free special screening of the Kannada movie My Autograph at the city's Santhosh Theatre on Kempegowda Road.

From a free breakfast to a talk by humorist Y.M.N. Murthy and Tatwachintamani Phanibushan, who enthralled the audience with their riveting speeches, the event had it all.

But the biggest attraction for the children was actor Sudeep and the opportunity to interact with him.

To make the event more entertaining, the IDL Blind Band performed the song "Aralida Huvugale" from the movie My Autograph along with other Sudeep film hits and Hindi songs such as "I Love My India," and "Pardesi" from the film Raja Hindustani.

Santhosh cinema was filled to its capacity. Among the audience were 100 senior citizens, 150 hearing impaired children, 50 intellectually challenged, 250 physically challenged, 600-plus visually challenged and their escorts, and 60-plus VVIPs.

"Its great to see the enthusiasm and eagerness among the special people, who have come crossing all the hurdles to watch the movie. I am touched by their love and affection," said Sudeep.

Many of the participants had never been to a cinema before, neither could they afford it. "Even people with visual and physical disabilities need entertainment and fun. With these kinds of activities plus moral teaching, we can bring about change in society and integrate them to the mainstream," said P.K. Paul, Executive Trustee, IDL Foundation.

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